PHILIPSBURG– As St. Maarten continues to face ongoing energy challenges, NV GEBE, the island’s sole electricity provider, has announced significant progress in its efforts to address the current energy crisis. In a recent update, the company shared that Phase Two of its energy recovery project is now underway, with the much-anticipated arrival of new equipment set to begin in early October.
NV GEBE has been grappling with operational difficulties, leading to unreliable electricity service and frequent blackouts, which have significantly affected the daily lives of residents, businesses, and government operations. The energy crisis, rooted in aging infrastructure and a shortage of generating capacity, has prompted urgent actions from NV GEBE to stabilize the situation and restore reliable power across the island.
In its latest update, NV GEBE said a major step toward resolving the energy shortage will come on October 2, 2024, when 20MW of new generators are expected to arrive on the island. These generators are critical to improving electricity production and will replace the outdated equipment that has contributed to the persistent outages. Essential components, including transformers, cabinets, cables, pipes, and fittings are scheduled to arrive shortly after the generators, on October 7, 2024. These materials will be used to ensure the seamless integration of the new generators into the grid.
To support the increased power generation, oil tanks will be delivered on October 16, 2024, providing storage for the fuel necessary to run the new equipment. Civil works comprising clearing the land and preparing the foundations for the new generators, oil tanks, and associated infrastructure are currently underway.
The company says that the new equipment will help mitigate the island’s energy issues and significantly improve the reliability of power supply for both residents and businesses.
The ongoing energy crisis has posed severe challenges to St. Maarten’s economy and quality of life. Businesses have suffered disruptions due to power outages, and households have had to cope with inconsistent electricity supply. The strain on NV GEBE’s infrastructure has also raised concerns about the island’s capacity to support its growing population and booming tourism industry. The unreliable power supply has also triggered widespread frustration within the community, prompting NV GEBE to expedite its recovery efforts and maintain transparency with the public through regular updates.
Once the new generators are operational, the company says it expects a substantial improvement in the island’s energy supply, reducing the likelihood of power outages and load shedding.
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